__NOTOC__ The Bacon Bowl was an annual charity football game in the United States. It was originally played between members of the Seattle Police Department on one side, and members of the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County sheriff's deputies, and state police working in Pierce County on the other side. Over the years, participation grew to include personnel from other law enforcement bodies in the counties. Castro, Hector, "Police play for charity in Bacon Bowl," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 10, 2003.Retrieved September 17, 2010
It was the second largest charity football game played in the US. All money raised, after expenses, went to various children's charities around the Puget Sound region. Through 2001, $2.4 million had been distributed to charities. Official Bacon Bowl site as of August 15, 2006, retrieved via Wayback Machine internet archive
The Bacon Bowl was played from 1979 through 2005. By 2004, there was criticism that too much of the money raised had gone to a telemarketing firm and expenses. In 2002, although the game raised nearly $350,000, after expenses only $18,380 went to charities. Editorial, "Police should explore Bacon Bowl alternatives," The News Tribune, September 24, 2004, page B 06. Retrieved September 17, 2010 Other problems were a decrease in attendance, injury concerns and the difficulty in finding players to play the game. The game was replaced in 2006 in favor of other athletic events, including a 3.1-mile (5-kilometre) run and walk."Police scrap Bacon Bowl for fun run, Declining revenue, injury concerns and difficulty finding players lead police to cancel the Bacon Bowl football game and instead plan a fun run as an annual fundraiser.," The News Tribune, May 31, 2006. Retrieved September 17, 2010 A later replacement for the football game in 2007 was a boxing event. Mulick, Stacy "Fist 'n' cuffs replaces Bacon Bowl Officers will spar for charity," The News Tribune, March 21, 2008, page B1. "Starting last year, the event replaced the annual Bacon Bowl football game between King and ... declining revenues and Seattle's inability to field a team." Retrieved September 17, 2010
Over 3,000 law enforcement officials in both police departments participated in the game during its 26-year run.
Its name derives from the eponymous pork product, a play on "pig," a pejorative term for police officers in the United States.
Venues Kingdome Husky Stadium Qwest Field Tacoma Dome Memorial Stadium
At the conclusion of the 27-game series, standings were: Tacoma PD: 15 wins Seattle PD: 12 wins History of Bacon Bowl at Official website, as preserved by Wayback Machine internet archive. Retrieved September 17, 2010
See also Tacoma Police Department Seattle Police Department
References
External links Official Bacon Bowl website, last revision, as of May 13, 2008, retrieved from Wayback Machine Internet Archive on September 17, 2010.